What might a conflict theorist conclude about deviance if an upper-middle-class,white college student is sentenced to rehab for the same drug crime that a lower-class,black man is sentenced to jail for committing?
A) Different levels of punishment are functional, as they keep the most productive members of society out of jail.
B) Criminals from the lower class should be more harshly punished, as they are more likely to re-offend.
C) The two criminals probably had very different motives for committing their crimes and this explains the difference in punishment.
D) The rules are applied unequally and those with power or influence are punished much less harshly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A conflict theorist would argue that the unequal punishment of the two criminals is a result of the unequal distribution of power and privilege in society. The upper-middle-class, white college student likely has more social and economic resources to avoid a harsh sentence, while the lower-class, black man may be at a disadvantage due to systemic racism and unfair treatment by the criminal justice system. This showcases how power and privilege can affect the application of laws and rules.

What Might a Conflict Theorist Conclude About Deviance If an Upper-Middle-Class,white